Firefighters douse grass fire on Chihuahua Street




PASCALLE BIPPERT District 1 Fire & Rescue personnel work to douse a grass fire March 21 along Chihuahua Street/Loop 321 behind Big Bear Home Center in La Vernia. As of press time March 22, no source of the fire had been identified; firefighters did not believe it was caused by lightning as severe storms passed through the area.

District 1 Fire & Rescue personnel quickly quelled a grass fire early Monday evening on Chihuahua Street (Loop 321) near Big Bear Home Center.

The March 21 blaze was swiftly spreading in the dry grass along the roadway, fanned by stiff breezes, as severe thunderstorms threatened area communities. A red flag warning had been issued Monday by the National Weather Service-Austin/San Antonio, due to strong winds with the storm system.

In addition, District 1 Fire & Rescue battled eight other spot fires on F.M. 775 in the La Vernia area Monday — all around the same time. “Some were across the Guadalupe County line and New Berlin [VFD] assisted,” according to District 1 Chief Chris Thompson.

So far this month, District 1 has fought 31 grass/brush fires.

Due to the lack of measurable rain and continuing extremely dry conditions, Wilson County remains under a burn ban. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 96 percent of Texas is in abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions.

The small amount of rain that came with Monday’s storms did little to alleviate concerns, according to Thompson.

“Conditions are improving, but it is still very dangerous to burn,” the chief said.


Burn ban

Wilson County remains under a burn ban, due to extremely dry conditions.

Outdoor burning of trash is permitted outside city limits, but must be in a screened container or pit.

To burn brush or agricultural materials, permits are required. Call the Wilson County Fire Marshal’s office at 830-393-8503 for more information.